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BALI, island of Gods and Demons.
Both magical and mythical, this land of volcanic lakes,
spectacular rice terraces, stunning tropical beaches, ancient
temples and palaces is and exotic melting pot of cultures and
peoples. Renowned of its unsurpassed architecture, traditional
theatre, dance and elaborate religious festivals, the colorful
Balinese culture is a dynamic force that is constantly synthesizing
the old and the new, the traditional and the innovative.
LOCATION
Bali is one
of more than 18 thousands island in Indonesia. It is located between
the two islands Java & Nusa Tenggara, between 8 03 40 8 degree South
latitude and 114 25 & 115 42 40 degree East longitude.
Bali has 5.632,86 square kilometers of land. The total population is
approximately 3.2 million people.
Standard time zone is UTC/GMT + 8 hours.
Bali Island
REGENCIES
As a part of 30 provinces
in the Republic of Indonesia, Bali is divided into 8 regencies ( Badung,
Gianyar , Tabanan ,
Bangli ,
Karangasem , Jembrana , Buleleng
and Klungkung, 1 municipal city (Denpasar),
51 districts and 666 administrative villages.
Denpasar
is the capital city of Bali province.
Mount Agung is used as orientation and considered North (Kaja) while
the sea is considered South (Kelod). This is the reason why "south"
in Buleleng is the opposite of "south" in Badung. In Hindu
perspective, north direction (mount) is a holy place while on the
southern part is the insulted place.
In the division of area, it is analogized the anatomy of the body:
head, body and legs as utama (main), madya (medium) and nista
(insult). Therefore, the holy place is located in north edge, in the
middle as a place of residence and in the south as place of
cemetery. Even, for sleeping, head is faced to north or east and
legs are directed to south or west.
THE PEOPLE
The
Balinese are one of the 250 ethnic groups in the Indonesian
archipelago. Most of them (95%) are Hindus, a religion which came
from India, passing through Sumatera and Java. After the fall of Majapahit empire all the Hindu aristocrats and the common people
fled to Bali, bringing along their religion, traditions, literature
and arts. Other religions like Christianity or Moslem, Buddhism are
also in Bali. But all live in peace, there is no conflict of
religion or conflict of ethnics. The population of Bali are three
million people. Most of them live in the southern part of the
island. Here the tourist resorts are located such as Sanur, Kuta and
Nusa Dua. The Balinese people are very creative. They have created
and are still creating various kinds of artistic creativities such
as wood carving (statues), paintings, gold and silver smith,
handicrafts, dances and religious offerings. Nearly everyday there
are religious ceremonies in the temples spread all over the island.
There are the so called "Bali Aga"; people, the original
Balinese communities in several places like in Tenganan or Trunyan.
It is worthwhile to visit them there.
CLIMATE
Bali has tropical climate
all year with two different seasons namely dry season from April to
October and wet season from November to March. The average
temperature hovers around 30 degrees Celsius year-round. The average
yearly rainfall between 893,4 mm till 2702,6 mm with average
humidity is 79%.
POPULATION
Bali has
5.632,86 square kilometers of land.
The total population is approximately 3.021.247 people.
IMMIGRATION & CUSTOMS
Immigration Offices:
Jl. D. I. Panjaitan, Niti Mandala, Complex Renon - Denpasar
Phone : (62 361) 238 168
Ngurah Rai Airport Complex, Tuban, Kuta
Phone : (62 361) 751 038
Customs regulations allow, per adult, a maximum of one litter of
alcoholic beverages, 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 100 gram of
tobacco and a reasonable amount of perfume. Photographic, video and
filming equipments, radio, typewriter and car are admitted as they
are recorded in you passport on entry and taken out on departure.
Narcotics, arms and ammunition TV, sets and Chinese medicines are
items that strictly prohibited while fresh fruit, plant and animals
must be passed by the Quarantine Office.
 BANK & MONEY EXCHANGE
Most
foreign currencies are easily changed at banks, hotels or money
changers. Banking hours are from 8.00am to 14.00 noon Mondays to
Fridays, and from 8.00am to 11.00am on Saturdays. Bank in Hotels
usually stay open longer hours while Money Changers are generally
open till evening. ATM is available in many places, provides VISA,
MASTER, ALTO and more.
MEDICAL SERVICES & HOSPITAL
Hospitals and Health Centers staffed by well trained doctors and
medical-assistants are available in major tourist resort and the
Provincial Capital. Public Health Centre is also available at every
Sub district unit.
Sanglah
Hospital
Jl. Diponegoro, Denpasar
Ph. (62 361) 227 911
SOS
Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai 505x, Kuta
Ph. (62 361) 710 505 |
Bali Medical
Center
Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai 100x, Kuta
Ph. (62 361) 761 263 |
CONTACT NUMBERS
Police : 110
Ambulance : 118
Fire Department : 113
SAR : 115/151/111
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES
Bali is linked
via satellite to all major countries in the world and to make an
International call can be made from any private house, business
center, hotel telephone, or "Wartel" (Telecommunication Counter).
Internet is also can be reached at many "Warnet" (Internet
Counter). For local and international phone and fax service look out
for a sign like this: Int'l Direct Dialing 001 or 008 + country code
+ area code + local telephone number. Int'l Direct Inquiries : 102,
101
Local Inquiries : 147
Operator Assisted : 110/104
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